This is one of the most understandable questions we hear at Aria Dental. We may call these extractions “simple” but there’s nothing simple to a patient about the removal of a tooth he or she has had forever. In a simple extraction, we are able to get under the tooth with an instrument called an “elevator,” which begins the process of lifting the tooth out of its socket. Once the tooth is raised, forceps can then be used to gradually loosen and remove the tooth. The procedure is “simple” because it is non-invasive and poses much less risk of post-removal pain than a surgical extraction.
Have you ever heard someone say their job is like pulling teeth? Well, part of our job actually IS pulling teeth. The official term for removal of a tooth, however, is “extraction”—and the process is a lot different from the literal pulling technique you may have seen in some old movie where the local barber was also the dentist.
While our main goal is to keep our patients’ teeth in their mouths for as long as possible, there are times when a tooth simply has to come out—whether that’s due to decay, breaking, or the fact that a tooth is growing in such a way as to upset the positioning and alignment of other teeth.
Here’s a brief overview of extraction types:
An extraction is simple when the tooth presents no difficulties for the dentist in terms of position or physical condition; the tooth can be easily seen, easily accessed and removed without making incisions in the gums.
Extractions that involve cutting into the gums and sometimes even the jaw bone in order to access and free a tooth are considered surgical. Among the situations calling for surgical extraction are a fractured tooth that might break apart during a simple extraction, a tooth with hooked or multiple roots and a tooth with extremely advance decay. We perform surgical extractions at Aria Dental but will refer patients to an oral surgeon for especially complex procedures.
This is a surgical extraction, but it’s such a common procedure that it deserves its own mention. Many practices refer patients to oral surgeons for wisdom teeth extraction, but at Aria Dental you can count on having your wisdom teeth removed by the same staff you trust with the rest of your oral health.
When extracting teeth, our top concern at Aria Dental is patient comfort. Contemporary dental techniques have enabled us to perform painless procedures with exceptionally low levels of post-extraction pain. In most cases, over-the-counter pain medication is all that is needed.
If you have a tooth that is causing you pain or any other problem, make an appointment with us to find out if that tooth can be treated or in an extraction is called for. We’ve performed many simple and surgical tooth extractions in Annapolis and will be happy to provide you with the same top level of treatment.
The average cost of a tooth extraction starts at roughly $150 but can range to more than $300 per tooth. The cost per tooth will usually depend on the type of extraction. The tooth extraction cost can be much higher for more complicated extractions, like impacted teeth or wisdom tooth removal. Contact Aria Dental in Annapolis for a consultation.
The best person to perform a tooth extraction is typically an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, who has extensive training in surgical procedures involving the mouth, teeth, and jaws. These specialists are well-equipped to handle complex extractions, such as impacted wisdom teeth or teeth with complications. However, general dentists can also competently perform routine extractions, especially for straightforward cases involving teeth that are fully erupted and easily accessible. In both scenarios, these professionals are trained to manage pain, provide appropriate anesthesia, and ensure a safe and effective extraction procedure. For patients with specific medical conditions or more complex dental issues, an oral surgeon is often recommended for the added expertise and specialized care they provide.
The number of teeth a dentist can pull in one visit varies depending on the patient's oral health, the complexity of the extractions, and the patient's overall medical condition. Generally, dentists can extract multiple teeth in one session, especially if they are adjacent and easily accessible. For instance, extracting all four wisdom teeth in a single visit is common. However, for extensive extractions, such as removing several teeth due to severe decay or preparing for dentures, the dentist might plan the extractions over multiple visits to ensure patient comfort and reduce the risk of complications.
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Aria Dental of Annapolis